3 keys to short sand shots

Lesson Tee: Annika Sorenstam

1. To hit a short bunker shot over a high lip, you have to keep the clubface open. That starts at address: Holding the club with your right hand, rotate the face 30 degrees open, then set your left hand and reposition your right. Take a wide stance for stability—you'll be making a firm swing—and play the ball just inside your left heel.

2. Squat down a little at address. Lowering your center of gravity puts the bottom of the swing arc below the level of the ball, so the club can slide under it. Make a three-quarter backswing, keeping your legs quiet and your feet planted. Don't think of the swing as a flip of the hands and arms. Make a full turn against a stable lower body.

3. Swing the clubhead into the sand about an inch behind the ball. With the clubface open, you'll have to swing pretty hard to push the ball up and out. Keep your wrists firm as you splash through the sand, with the face pointing straight up (above). Turn your shoulders through so they face the target at the finish.

REHAB UPDATE
The ruptured disk in my neck that sidelined me in April is coming along. The best news is that I won't need surgery. I'm sticking to intense rehab and should be contending again soon.